Fleet Street Dominated By Death Of Gary Speed As A Nation Pays Tribute

The death of Wales Manager Gary Speed dominated Monday's newspapers as initial shock turned to grief.

"There's only 1 Gary Speed," splashed the The Sun with a full front page tribute to the former Everton and Newcastle United footballer.

The Daily Mirror led on details of his death with the headline: "Wife finds tragic Gary's body" while The Times focused on the emotions of fans and looked at the "Mystery over manager's death".

Huge photos of Speed were also splashed across all newspapers as tributes poured in.

The 42-year-old father of two was found hanged at his home on Sunday morning, just a day after appearing on live television and chatting to fellow footballing figures, who expressed shock and disbelief.

Tributes to the former Leeds United, Everton and Newcastle United midfielder poured in from a host of public figures, including Prime Minister David Cameron and First Minister of Wales Carwyn Jones.

Cheshire Police confirmed that Speed's body was discovered at the property in Huntington, on the outskirts of Chester, and said there were "no suspicious circumstances". Sources said he was found hanged.

Speed, whose career on the pitch also included stints at Bolton Wanderers and Sheffield United, was appointed manager of Wales in December 2010 after retiring as a player in May last year. He took charge of Wales for the first time in February, with his last game as manager on November 12 when the team won 4-1 in a friendly against Norway.

On Saturday afternoon he appeared on BBC One's Football Focus show, and his friend and former footballer Robbie Savage said he had last spoken to him that day too. "The world has lost a great man in Gary Speed," he wrote in a heartfelt message on Twitter. "I'm devastated spoke to him yesterday morning why! Why. Why!! I'll miss him so much x".

Downing Street said Mr Cameron was "deeply saddened" to hear of the death of Speed, who was "greatly respected by football fans across the country both as a player and manager". A spokesman said: "The Prime Minister's thoughts are with his family and friends on this very sad day for fans everywhere, especially in Wales."

Mr Jones described it as "devastating news" and said: "I'm deeply saddened to hear about the death of Gary Speed." He added: "Our thoughts are with his family at what must be a very difficult time for them."